"Do we actually fall in love with AI?"

The Intimacy and Complexity of Human-AI Relationships in Mind-game Cinema

In the final paper, the exploration will focus on the evolving dynamics of affectionate bonds between humans and AI as depicted in mind-game cinema. The paper posits that these cinematic representations are not only a reflection of societal fascination with technology but also serve as a medium to explore deeper psychological and ethical questions about human nature and relationships. The tentative thesis is that contemporary films dealing with human-AI relationships offer a unique lens through which we can understand the changing nature of intimacy and affection in the age of advanced technology.

In the realm of mind-game cinema, the depiction of relationships between humans and AI ventures beyond mere technological exploration, delving into the depths of psychological and philosophical inquiry. Films such as "Her" and "Ex Machina" are quintessential examples, navigating the complex interplay of human emotions and AI. The analysis will juxtapose Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic theories, focusing on the concepts of the 'Mirror Stage,' desire, and the 'Other,' as well as Levy's insights into the potential depth and nature of emotional connections with AI in "Love and Sex with Robots: The Evolution of Human-Robot Relationships."

Annotated Bibliography

Žižek, Slavoj. “Looking Awry: An Introduction to Jacques Lacan through Popular Culture.” MIT Press, 1992.

• Žižek's interpretation of Lacan's psychoanalytic theories, especially his views on fantasy and desire in modern cinema culture, is an important way to access the complex nature of human desires and fantasies projected onto AI characters in the films.

  
  

Levy, David. Love and Sex with Robots: The Evolution of Human-Robot Relationships. Harper Perennial, 2008.

• This book introduces the potential emotional and physical intimacy between humans and robots, providing a crucial backdrop for understanding the depth of human-AI relationships depicted in the films and how love and affection can be interpreted scientifically.

  
  

Elsaesser, Thomas. "The Mind-Game Film." Puzzle Films: Complex Storytelling in Contemporary Cinema. Edited by Warren Buckland, Wiley-Blackwell, 2009, pp. 13-41.

• Elsaesser's concept of the mind-game film is essential for examining the narrative structure and storytelling techniques in "Her" and "Ex Machina." His ideas will be used to explore how these films challenge conventional perceptions of reality and identity within the context of human-AI interactions.

  
  

Rawle, Steven. “Reconstructing the Past: Visual Virtuality in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” The Cinema of Michel Gondry: Puzzle Films and Music Videos, edited by Warren Buckland and Thomas Elsaesser, Wallflower Press, 2013, pp. 159-172.

• Rawle's analysis delves into themes of memory, identity, and the manipulation or reconstruction of personal experiences, central to unfolding the dynamics in human-AI relationships.

  
  

Films

Jonze, Spike, director. Her. Annapurna Pictures, 2013.

• This film intricately portrays the evolving emotional relationship between Theodore, a human, and Samantha, an AI operating system. The film will be examined through Lacan's 'Mirror Stage,' highlighting how Theodore projects his desires and emotional needs onto Samantha, reflecting a deep yearning for connection and understanding.

  
  

Garland, Alex, director. Ex Machina. Universal Pictures, 2014.

• "Ex Machina" navigates the intricate and morally ambiguous relationship between Caleb, a programmer, and Ava, an advanced AI. The film intertwines themes of consciousness, manipulation, and ethical complexities of AI.